Get a FREE PRICE QUOTE from qualified Disc Jockeys serving the Corson area!

Helpful Articles from Professional Corson DJs

What Bride should know about her DJ?Wedding How To / Instructional

By: Jason Yoshino, Energy Productions

When dreaming of the perfect wedding day, most soon-to-be brides leave no detail unconsidered, “no stone (ahem…diamond) unturned”; from the dress to the cake to the photographer to the right DJ for the reception. Where all the parts creating the whole of your wedding day may be important to you, the reality is that some details are more critical than others. Whether the jade napkins on the dinner tables are three inches from the edge of the table or four, for example, is simply not going to have the impact on you or your guests that the right DJ will!

Most Professional Wedding Entertainment DJ services are booked 9-18 months in advance, so when thinking about the appropriate time to call, well…let’s just say, “The early bride gets the worm”! That being said, however, you ought to not worry too much about rushing into getting that DJ signed on, “before it’s too late” or you might find yourself garter-deep in disappointment in what may just be the most important night of your life! There are a lot of tell-tale signs and indicators you can spot right on the surface, and more you can uncover with the proper questioning, sure to bring to light whether a potential DJ company is the high-class, quality. Ultimately, it will be up to you to do the research, and to be savvy enough to demand answers when DJ-shopping. Below are some questions you should ask them and/or yourself, when the time comes to contract with your DJ.

Are they acceptably contactable? When you call, do they answer the phone, or do you get a message? If you leave a message, you should hear back within minutes or the same day. If you aren’t even given the basic, fundamental respect of a call back it speaks volumes to the lack of professionalism you can expect from the same DJ service regarding other aspects of their duties to you. If you have shown the interest to call or email and you don’t hear back promptly, that should be a bright red flag screaming to you it’s time to check with the next company on your list.

Do they have a binding contract? A contract legally binds a DJ company to what they offer you and your wedding date.

Do they have a professional website, blog or company Facebook Page? If not, “Buyer Beware”! The absence of a professional website, blog or company Facebook Page available for your viewing should set off alarms! A website, blog or company Facebook Page should tell you everything about the company.

Do they have Video Testimonials from past Bride and Grooms? This is a mandatory these days! A professional DJ company will have these available.

Do they have 3rd Party Reviews? There are many sources on the internet for a DJ company to use to send 3rd party reviews. For instance, WeddingWire.com and MarthaStewartWeddings.com have review systems that every professional wedding vendor can choose to use. If they are not using it, what are they hiding?

What quality can you expect to find in the equipment? Professional equipment quality is very important. Do they have duplicate equipment backed up in the event that something should go wrong?

Do they have the music you want? Does their music library cover the right eras and genres? Don’t let the luster of “more songs” fool you, the average number of songs played at a wedding reception is 60-70. The DJ should be willing to take requests.

Do they have Online Planning Forms? Every company should have online planning forms for you to use at your convenience. This is the generation of technology and if they don’t offer it; what else are they lacking?

Are they qualified to Host, MC or Coordinate; basically keeps the night moving in a FUN direction? These days Professional DJ’s should be able to coordinate your wedding reception in a timely, professional fashion so you’re not left behind the head table wondering who’s coming to get you to cut the cake, let the photographer know that it’s time to cut the cake or let your caterer or venue staff that you’re to serve dinner. This is one of the most important days of your lives. Make sure you find a professional DJ to coordinate your night like it should be done.

Do they provide liability insurance? They should! Should something unfortunate happen, you will want to know you and your guests are protected, make sure your DJ provides liability insurance.

Do they set up with comparable aesthetics? You took the time to make yourself, and the venue, look good, don’t you think the DJ should? Why should you have to endure a DJ booth that doesn’t apply attractive, professional skirting to their stands and tables? If they gripe or finagle, send them packing, there are DJ services out there who know exactly what it takes to look professional.

What will the DJ wear? You should be sure to ask what the DJ will wear, or even request that he or she wear something similar to the theme of your reception.

Will you be able to meet with the DJ Company prior to the engagement? Absolutely, meeting should take place roughly two weeks prior to the reception.

Will there be any down time or breaks? No; music and/or the various entertaining should remain constant from the onset of dinner music to the last song.

A wedding entertainer will do just that, entertain! Does the wedding entertainer interact with the crowd? Does he or she showcase the bride and groom in special events (and that only if you want him or her to)? Does the entertainer offer ideas on how to make your wedding reception FUN and MEMORABLE?

Finally, when budgeting for your DJ, you’ve heard you want to plan around 5%, and that’s fine, you’ve heard the fortune cookie adage, “You get what you pay for.” Consider the articles inundating bridal magazines and the internet wherein a “burnt bride” laments that, were she able to do it again, she would have figured in 10-15 percent or even more for entertainment expenses. You can expect to appreciate, and truly experience, from a company who remains comparable, or even slightly higher in price set by the most reputable Wedding Entertainment companies. If a company is hiding their costs, or asks you to tell them what you are “looking to spend,” you would be wise to look elsewhere. Find a Wedding Entertainer that is truly interested in hearing your dreams about your day!

Find a Professional Wedding DJ company whose entertainers understand that you want your love ones to experience a reception that begins with, “Once upon a time,” and ends with, “Happily Ever After.” Energy Productions assures you that we CAN!